Barbar fishermen demand long-overdue port, propose urgent safety measures and clean-up

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune - www.newsofbahrain.com

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Fishermen in Barbar are facing theft and hazardous waterways, calling for urgent action to safeguard their livelihoods and ensure safe access to the sea.

“Every time I set out, I wonder if my boat will still be there when I return,” said Jameel Shuaib, a fisherman who has incurred substantial losses due to stolen gear.

“The sea is already risky enough without the added worry of thieves.” Local fishermen are demanding safety measures, citing frequent theft of boats and equipment alongside dangerous conditions in the local waterways. They are urging the installation of security cameras to protect their assets and express frustration over ongoing neglect.

Their requests include cleaning the marine channel and improving access roads to the pier. They also insist that the government acquire land along the western coast near their jetty, which has remained uncleared despite years of appeals.

Primary source of income

Many residents of Barbar depend on fishing as their primary source of income. Shuaib, representing the local committee, noted that requests for cleaning the marine channel have been ongoing for over a decade. Originally dug by fishermen, the channel has become blocked with mud, making navigation nearly impossible and leading to several accidents. “Cleaning the channel is urgent,” Shuaib told The Daily Tribune.

Permission

Fishermen have sought permission from the authorities to initiate the work but face obstacles due to the waterway’s location on private land and high project costs. MP Dr Mahdi Al Shuwaikh confirmed that demands for a fishing port in Barbar have persisted for nearly 25 years. Despite promises to launch the project as early as 2007, plans have yet to materialise. “We continue to receive assurances, but it is time to take action and stop delaying this project,” Al Shuwaikh insisted. He emphasised the need for clean and well-maintained coastlines as part of Bahrain’s sustainable development goals.

Proposal

In 2021, a proposal to clean the waterway was submitted to the Northern Municipal Council but has since stalled, with no movement from the responsible agencies. The channel remains filled with rocks and marine debris, and illegal land reclamation has worsened the situation. “Today, the fishermen cannot access the coast, putting their livelihoods at risk,” Al Shuwaikh said, urging immediate action to restore the channel and facilitate safe passage for boats.

Ali Jawhar, a fisherman and resident of Barbar, called for the establishment of a ‘Bandar’ (fishermen’s port) in the area, highlighting the long-standing connection between Barbar’s economy and the sea. “Many families here rely solely on fishing for their income,” Jawhar said. He expressed frustration over the lack of action from authorities, despite numerous meetings and promises.

Jawhar directly appealed to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, urging them to prioritise the acquisition of land near the fishermen’s jetty and ensure local fishermen receive the necessary support.

Northern Council Chairman Dr Shubbar Al Wadaei told The Daily Tribune, “The council has maintained a close relationship with local fishermen since 2018, working to develop solutions within legal frameworks.” He noted that a formal memo outlining the fishermen’s demands was submitted to the council, resulting in the approval of a proposal to clean the Barbar channel, which was forwarded to the Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources.

However, Al Wadaei criticised the lack of action from the ministry despite repeated requests for a meeting with the relevant authorities. He called for immediate intervention by the responsible agencies to address the blockage of the channel with mud and rocks, which remains a serious safety concern for fishermen.